An awkward encounter is a lot like a car crash: no matter how much you try to resist, you simply can’t look away. It’s almost as if on some sadistic level, our bodies crave cringe.
So in order to help you get your fill, I’ve tracked down some of the best. Have a look at these incredibly awkward encounters that I simply cannot (and will not) look away from.
Make sure to check which social media account you’re replying from.
If I was single and a hamster slid into my DMs, I’d have some questions to be certain. I’m not saying it would be a deal-breaker, but it would most definitely be a hurdle to overcome.
It pays to know the context of the situation.
This is why you should always walk away as quickly as your feet will carry you whenever you see two people entrenched in a heated public argument. Save the drama for when you’re home watching Bravo .
Family business is none of your business.
“I drunkly[sic] asked my best man if he and his wife were planning on having more kids. I completely forgot he had testicular cancer a couple[sic] years prior to that. Really awkward bachelor party after that point.” Reddit u/Novice_Trucker
Getting to know your lab partner.
If ever there was a time to double down and say that your name was “Muslim”, this would most definitely be it. Otherwise, the only other option left would be to walk away red-faced and disgraced.
Where’s that music coming from?
Twitter user @DaddyBlackery was out at a cafe and needed to pass gas. In order to not be heard, he tried to sync up his fart with the beat of the music. Once he realized he was listening to his iPhone — it was already too late.
The worst time to applaud.
First of all, this is horrible and my heart goes out to that poor girl. That being said, this is a scene straight out of Seinfeld . Larry David himself couldn’t have scripted something so delectably ironic and hilarious.
She who must not be shamed.
“My mum was too embarrassed to tell the vet our tortoise was called voldetort so she just said his name was Susan ,” wrote Twitter user @Scphietab.
Why on earth would anyone be embarrassed over the fact that their tortoise was named “Voldetort”? That’s literally the greatest name ever.
No, you can’t pet my muffin.
What do you think is the better option: to walk away in shame or to try and explain yourself? I honestly think that asking to pet a stranger’s hamster is just as (if not even more so) weird as asking to pet a muffin.
Your barber wasn’t talking to you.

“Trying to forget the moment this afternoon when my barber asked “are you having fun?” and I said “yes” but he was talking to his daughter who was filling in a coloring book.” – Twitter @jpbrammer
That’s “fraiche” not “fresh.”
I could maybe let this one slide if the person asking happened to have a strong English accent, but other than that — you played yourself. Just be lucky this wasn’t Gordon Ramsay — he would have thrown an absolute fit.
It pays to listen to the TSA agents.
I would just be happy knowing that you’ve provided that TSA agent with a story that they’ll tell at every work Christmas party for the rest of their lives. That has to count for something, right?
There’s a time and a place for patriotism.
This Twitter user tried to channel the spirit of Jimi Hendrix by performing “The Star-Spangled Banner” on the electric guitar. When he was finished, a neighbor came over to alert him that the family next door was having a wake, and would appreciate it if he stopped.
When you need something a little stronger than coffee.
This person just became my hero. Furthermore, I hope that the entire Starbucks staff slow-clapped her as she left the building. It isn’t every day that a true icon walks through your doors.
Family game nights gone awry.

“My bf met my family for the first time & we were playing catch phrase[sic] & his word was boner. Instead of skipping it like a normal person he said “something that Bridget gives me” right in front of my father.” – Twitter @BenedictBridget
The most awkward sexual encounter of all time.
“Please tell me your embarrassing sex stories so I [sic] feel better. I just thought about the time a few years ago when a guy went down on me and we made eye contact and I waved for some reason.” Twitter @eerrriiicaa